11-year-old fatally shot in Frazeysburg

A pair of Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office deputies stand outside 43 W. First St. in Frazeysburg on Tuesday after an 11-year-old boy was fatally shot by another juvenile.(Photo: photos by Chris Crook/Times Recorder)Buy Photo

FRAZEYSBURG – The Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy, who authorities believe was shot by another 11-year-old.

The victim has been identified as Lucas Templin, according to 10TV. Family members said he was at a friend’s house when he was shot.

The alleged shooter called 911 around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrival at 43 W. First St. in Frazeysburg, authorities found the deceased boy with a gunshot wound to his chest, Sheriff Matt Lutz said.

The gun was acquired inside the home, Lutz said. Although Lutz would not release the type of weapon involved, he did say it was not a shotgun.

Two children’s bikes were leaning against the front porch of the home as deputies stood guard an hour after the shooting. Dozens of people lined the sidewalk across the street. The deceased boy’s mother sat among them in the grass, rocking slowly, face in hands, as others attempted to console her.

West First Street was blocked off by responding agencies — Frazeysburg Police Department, the sheriff’s office, Frazeysburg Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services. A young boy with no shoes exited a law enforcement vehicle and walked into a nearby home, followed closely by a sheriff’s office detective.

Lt. Mike LeCocq, with the sheriff’s office, said two juveniles were confirmed inside the home during the shooting and the deceased boy’s mother and stepfather were on the scene when deputies arrived.

This isn’t the first time the sheriff’s office has dealt with a shooting involving two juveniles. In 2010, a 14-year-old Philo boy admitted to fatally shooting his 3-year-old brother with a shotgun. The shooter in that case was sentenced to two and a half years in a juvenile detention center.

Muskingum County Coroner Charles Feicht ordered an autopsy.

Lutz said it’s too early to tell whether charges will be filed in connection with the shooting. Muskingum County Prosecutor Mike Haddox will be involved in processing the scene, Lutz said.